A Comparison of an Injection Cephalad or Caudad to the Division of the Sciatic Nerve for Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Block: A Prospective Randomized Study.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
22003214
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

Background:The optimal site for local anesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided sciatic popliteal block remains controversial.Methods:Patients were randomized to receive 25 mL ropivacaine 0.75% around the sciatic nerve cephalad to the peroneal-tibial division in group A (n = 51) or caudad to the division in group B (n = 51). The sensory and motor blocks were evaluated every 5 minutes up to 30 minutes.Results:Rates of complete sensory block and surgical anesthesia were superior in group B (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:The caudad technique provided better surgical anesthesia.